DOIG WILL DO WELL IN HELL
Johnson: Josh has tools to play in Serie A
New Hibs boss Lee Johnson has confirmed Josh Doig is close to sealing a dream move to Hellas Verona – and has backed the defender to thrive in Italian football.
The 20-year- old stayed at home as Hibs hammered Clyde in Johnson’s competitive debut as manager.
A hat-trick from Christian Doidge and goals from Elias Melkersen and Josh Campbell made the right first impression for Johnson.
He was denied the services of new signings Elie Youan and Jair Tavares due to work permit issues.
But, with David Marshall captaining a side that gave debuts to fel low summer recruits Nohan Kenneh, Lewis Miller, Kyle McClelland and Aiden McGeady, it was a satisfying Premier Sports Cup opener for the Leith men.
With Falkirk next up on Tuesday, Johnson now expects to be turning his attentions to finding a new left-back as he talked up Doig’s £3 million-plus switch to Serie A.
He said: “It was probably too big a risk for him to play with the transfer close.
“It could easily fall down and if it does we will welcome him back with open arms. If not, we need to make sure that we utilise any available funds well and also congratulate him.
“He is a good guy with a good growth mindset. A good student and I think it will be great for him.”
Hibs looked desperate to impress their new boss and made the breakthrough after just 15 minutes.
Melkersen raced free on the right before his cross was was deflected up and over Clyde keeper Neil Parry.
Doidge was lingering with intent at the back post and chested the ball over the line.
Seven mi nutes later, Campbell found Melkersen in the box and the Norwegian spotted a big enough gap to drill in a low shot from 14 yards out.
Clyde’s early resistance was already broken and two goals inside a minute ended the tie as a contest.
Jake Doyle- Hayes turned before showing determination to keep possession as he bustled his way forward.
A superb through ball picked out the run of Doidge, who lifted a clever shot over the exposed Parry.
Almost straight from the restart, Hibs’ high press – a feature of the team under Johnson – stole possession and they poured forward again.
Cadden found Doidge in the box and the Welshman rattled a shot into the net after fluffing his first attempt.
With the break approaching, the Premiership men made it five against their League One visitors.
Ewan Henderson picked up space 40 yards out and slipped a pass into Campbell and he found the net via a deflection.
Johnson added: “It was a good game, to start with that tempo was pleasing. A 5- 0 win against sticky opposition is good.”